This year Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) authored a number of bills that address veterans and their needs. A number of these bills made it into final omnibus legislation.

The first provision corrects an unintended consequence that resulted from the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Market Value Exclusion. The Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Market Value Exclusion reduces the market value for qualifying homeowners by $150,000 for veterans with a disability rating of 70% or more, and $300,000 for veterans who are totally and permanently disabled. Prior to 2019, a surviving spouse qualified for the exclusion for 8 years following the veteran’s death. In 2019, the Legislature extended this benefit from 8 years to the point at which the spouse remarries or sells the property. There was a gap between the expiration of the 8-year exclusion and the lifetime exclusion, leaving many surviving spouses in a “sunset gap,” where they no longer were receiving this benefit. This bill was included in the final Tax bill.

Howe has also championed legislation that creates a “VETERAN” designation on driver’s licenses and Minnesota identification cards. Currently to receive the “Veteran” designation on a drivers’ license, a DD214 form must be provided as proof of identification. Not having this indication on a license does not affect any VA benefits but does allow veterans to use their state identification card to receive veteran discounts at local businesses. This bill would allow Veterans to provide other forms of documentation in lieu of the DD214 official form. This was included in the Transportation bill.

A third inclusion comes in the Veterans Omnibus bill, which includes language to address post-service grants. Last year, $24 million was allocated for post-war bonuses to Minnesota Veterans that served after September 11, 2001. This year’s language provides an additional $15 million to further cover any veterans that were previously unable to obtain a bonus.

Finally, funding was also included for staffing and services at the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum located at Camp Ripley. This funding will allow the museum to hire staff and engage in outreach with veterans throughout the state.

“Veterans have given so much to serve our state and country, and it’s important that we honor them by listening to their needs, addressing their concerns, and passing legislation that supports them and their families,” said Howe. “We funded a number of important initiatives that will help veterans and their families as they start or continue their post-service life. Many of these bills have been in the works for quite some time, and I’m glad we could finally get them done—we owe that much to the brave veterans throughout our state who stepped up to serve.”